Joshua H.

Tuguinay
Advanced Theories of Personality

Final Requirement

A 21st Century Filipino Personality Theory

Core Dimensions of a Filipino Personality in the 21st Century

Since the colonization of the Philippines by different nations, the Filipino personality has evolved
to adapt to the changes brought by time and influences of the age of technology. Below are the
core dimensions of a Filipino personality in the 21st century:

Identity

Sarili (self)

A Filipino is never an individual. He or she is usually defined not as a single person but is
defined in the context of his or her community, specifically his or her family. This is
attributed to Filipinos’ high value for their familial relationships. Filipinos have very strong
family ties. Compared to other countries in the world, family ties among Filipinos are the
closest and strongest as shown by the practice of the extended family system. Children are
allowed to stay beyond legally adult age until they marry and have their own families. In
such cases, the children contribute to the upkeep of the family and do not depend totally
on their parents. The elderly are not abandoned, but cared for even until death. Those busy
with gainful activities in their businesses or as employees who may not have much time to
care for the former can find the necessary upkeep for them. Ina Filipino family, familism
is embedded in its social sphere, translating its relational quality even outside the family.
A Filipino family’s familial orientation is so strong and valued that the family identity is
projected to each family member. As a result, a Filipino is identified as the child of his or
her parents, and/or a member of a certain family or clan rather than as who he or she is as
an individual. A Filipino is not his or her own. He or she is best defined in one’s familial
orientation.

Being confined to his or her familial identity, a Filipino develops another self (ibang
sarili), an identity that is shown to other social acquaintances outside the family that is
independent of the family. A Filipino will then have two selves – a self in the context of
being with one’s family and a self in the contest of being with other people.

Image

Porma (form) vs. Kabuluhan (substance)

A Filipino tends to give emphasis on form (porma) rather than on substance (kabuluhan).
There is a tendency for a Filipino to be satisfied with rhetoric and to substitute this for
 reality. Empty rhetoric and endless words are very much part of a Filipino’s public life.
For a Filipino, as long as things are said and done in a right and presentable manner, one
can then believe that what ought to exist actually exists. There is no felt need to validate
hypotheses or the explanation of things. This makes a Filipino to be superficial and even
inconsistent.

This can be attributed to a Filipino’s lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection. Even in the
face of serious problems, both personal and social, there is lack of analysis or reflection.
Filipinos joke about the most serious matters and this prevents looking deeply into the
problem. Thus, a Filipino tends to be satisfied with superficial explanations and superficial
solution to problems.

The lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection can be attributed to a Filipino’s identity (or
lack thereof). As stated earlier, a Filipino’s identity is largely dependent on his or her
family’s identity. This results to a Filipino having no strong, independent character and
thus, is not able to analyze and reflect in him/herself. This consequently results to being
superficial.

Porma can also be translated to physical appearance. Filipinos invest much resources on
enhancing their appearance, especially skin color, in order to look good. Looking
physically attractive has become more of a priority over concepts such as skills and
character. Local celebrities that are mixed race or have foreign blood seem to be more
prevalent than pure-blooded Filipinos, as the former have light complexions and a more
international look compared to the latter. In addition, almost all TV commercials for beauty
products constantly promote fairer skin and that white is more beautiful. As a result, being
pale, among other things of a physical nature, has become the standard of beauty for
Filipinos. Filipinos emphasizing Porma over Kabuluhan in relation to appearance can be
seen by their practice of extreme cleanliness with respect to their bodies, their clothes and
their personal environment. This is in sharp contrast to many streets, sidewalks and the
areas around many buildings.

Added to a Filipino’s drive to achieve physical beauty is the need to avoid criticism. This
is another translation of Porma that partly explains a Filipino’s sociability. Pleasantness
and friendliness are emphasized along with guardedness against criticism and ridicule by
others.

Humor

Biro at Kagalakan (Joy and Humor)

A Filipino has a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life. He or she has a pleasant
disposition, a sense of humor, and a propensity for happiness that contribute not only the
Filipino charm but also to the indomitability of the Filipino spirit. Laughing to him/herself
over mistakes made is an important coping mechanism. The sense of joy and humor is
manifested in the Filipino’s love for socials and celebrations and in his/her capacity to
 laugh even in the most trying of times. The result is a certain emotional balance, optimism,
a healthy disrespect for power and office, and the capacity to survive.

Biro at Kagalakan is closely relted to Porma. Filipinos, being happy and joyful people,
value the importance of not being shamed or being embarrassed, especially in public.
Filipinos tend to be very sensitive. Thus, they try to joke about embarrassing moments to
lessen its effects.

Biro at Kagalakan is explained by a Filipino’s Faith and Hope (pananampalataya at

pagasa). Filipinos have a deep faith in God. This Pananampalataya enables Filipino’s to
comprehend and genuinely accept reality in the context of God’s will plan. Thus, tragedy
and bad fortune are accepted and some optimism characterizes even the poorest lives.
Filipinos live very intimately with religion. It is tangible, and touchable – a part of everyday
life. They ascribe human traits to a supernatural God whom they alternately threaten and
thank, call upon for mercy or forgiveness, and appease by pledges. Thus, prayer is an
important part of Filipinos’ lives.

The Pananampalataya of the Filipinos is related to bahala na which, instead of being

viewed as defeatist resignation, may be considered positively as a reservoir of psychic
energy, an important psychological prop on which Filipinos can lean during hard times.
This pagasa allow them to act despite uncertainty.

Discussion

From the discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino, it is clear that there is much
that is good in us but there is also much that needs to be changed. It is also clear that many of our
strong points are also the sources of weakness.

As people, we are person-oriented and relationships with others are very important part of our
lives. We are thus capable of much caring and concern for others. On the other hand, our person
orientation in the extreme leads to lack of objectivity and disregard for universal rules and
procedures where everyone, regardless of our relationship with them, is treated equally. Our person
orientation leads us to be concerned for people and yet to be unfair to someone.

Our family orientation is both strength and weaknesses, giving us a sense of rootedness and
security, both very essential to any form of reaching out to others. At the same time, it develops in
us an in-group that prevents us from reaching beyond the family to the larger community and the
nation.